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🎶 Lakeland, put your records on

Celebrate Record Store Day with Jesse Carl Vinyl

Vinyl records categorized by genre at Jesse Carl Vinyl in Lakeland, FL

There’s a record for every music lover at Jesse Carl Vinyl. | Photo by LALtoday

Saturday, April 22 is Record Store Day (RSD), an annual event held by independent record stores to celebrate music and show support for local shops. The event has become a worldwide sensation, spreading from Baltimore to San Francisco, and even making its way to Lakeland. We asked Jessi Zilka, owner of Jesse Carl Vinyl, what you can expect locally on Record Store Day. (We recommend listening to her favorite record of all time, “Ten” by Pearl Jam, while you read.)

This is Jesse Carl Vinyl’s seventh year participating in RSD. The shop will offer special releases of records by diverse artists, plus pre-owned music. Everything is first-come, first-served. There will also be giveaways of RSD and Jesse Carl merchandise — and the lucky first guests in line are in for a tasty treat.

Special editions of vinyl records available for sale on Record Store Day at Jesse Carl Vinyl — Find limited edition and exclusive pressings of records by your favorite artists.
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Photo by LALtoday

You may remember when Jesse Carl Vinyl began as a booth at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market around seven years ago. Record Store Day has helped the shop form even more connections with the Lakeland community.

“We’ve made countless loyal customers through Record Store Day,” says Jessi. “We feel connecting with people and fulfilling a need for them long term is the ultimate success story for our relationship with RSD.”

The front entrance and outside window of Jesse Carl Vinyl in downtown Lakeland, FL — Pro tip: Line up early on Record Store Day for the best shot at your favorite album.
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Photo by LALtoday

Ready to shop? The store will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday at 304 N. Kentucky Ave., Ste. 1150. Line up early if there’s an album you can’t live without, and keep an eye out for Jessi’s record recommendations:

“Hotel Jolie Dame” compilation by Jazz Dispensary
“Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era (1964-1968)” 50th anniversary box set
“Little Earthquakes - The B-Sides” by Tori Amos
“Give Way” by Pearl Jam

Events

Tuesday, April 18

Spring Pop-Up Series: Our Noire Kitchen | Tuesday, Apr. 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Spice up lunch with bold flavors created by this kitchen duo — look for bites like tacos and tostones.
Lakeland Leads Annual Awards Dinner | Tuesday, Apr. 18 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park Event Center, 900 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | $500-$5000 | Celebrate PCPS Career Academy Educators and business partners and hear a Fireside Chat with AgAmerica Lending’s CEO and Principal Owner, Brian Philpot — proceeds will benefit PCPS Career Academies.
Tasty Tuesday | Tuesday, Apr. 18 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | $25 | Buy a pack of tickets to use at downtown eateries for food and drink samples, and enjoy them with live music in Munn Park.

Wednesday, April 19

Yoga for Beginners | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
Live Trivia w/ SB&B Seafood | Wednesday, Apr. 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Enjoy fresh seafood and cold brews as you play along with live trivia.

Thursday, April 20

Lecture Series: “Buffalo Soldiers — Those Men That Came Before” | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library History Room, 100 Lake Morton Dr., Lakeland | Free | Learn about these historic soldiers from historian and re-enactor Richard Wilder, president of the Buffalo Soldiers Florida, Inc.
Contemporary Band Concert | Thursday, Apr. 20 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Bush Chapel, Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Hear student-written and student-produced music performed live by Southeastern University’s premiere popular music ensemble.

Friday, April 21

“The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-$26 | Watch this play about five southern women who rely on their friendship to get through the challenges of life.
“The Elixir of Love” | Friday, Apr. 21 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | The Florida Southern College Opera Theatre and Orchestra are performing this charming comedy about unrequited love.

100+ more events

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Health

7 life-changing benefits of bariatric surgery

The AdventHealth bariatric care team can guide you through a health plan that best fits your lifestyle. | Photo provided by AdventHealth

Think bariatric surgery is only about weight loss? While weight loss is indeed an outcome of bariatric surgery, there are a host of health benefits that can significantly impact daily activities and long-term health goals.

If you’re considering the procedure, here are seven benefits of bariatric surgery that can improve your overall health (and even change your life):

Positive hormonal changes that promote lasting weight loss
Improved blood sugar levels that diminishes diabetes
Better cardiovascular health and improved cholesterol
More physical energy
Reduced risk of obesity-related health conditions
Enhanced mental well-being and self-esteem
Better quality of life

The experts at AdventHealth know diet and exercise alone often aren’t enough to accomplish these health goals — that’s why the bariatric team goes beyond what’s on your plate and formulates a plan to guide you through a whole body + mind transformation journey.

Ready to start a new chapter? See more on the benefits of bariatric surgery and speak to an AdventHealth bariatric specialist.*

Learn more + get started

News Notes

Coming Soon

Little Lake, an indoor play and event space just for kids, will open soon at 111 S. Florida Ave. — WonderHere’s former downtown location. The biz offers kid-sized versions of Lakeland landmarks like the Terrace Hotel and Lake Mirror loggia for free play.

Edu

Florida Southern College has selected English and Communications major Nathalie Moreno to receive its highest student honor, the 2023 Honor Walk. Nathalie is co-editor-in-chief at the school’s newspaper, co-founder of FSC’s Hispanic/Latinx Coalition, and a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. (LkldNow)

Arts

The next Polk @ Nite event is Thursday, April 20 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are now available to enjoy small bites from Sabu Ramen, drinks from Cob & Pen, entertainment by DJ Jenks, and an exclusive first look at the Polk Museum of Art’s next exhibit.

Civic

Lake Wales City Commission members are set to vote on a proposed amendment to a land-use code after an accidental change was discovered. If the change is corrected, it would allow Advanced Drainage Systems to build a stormwater and wastewater pipe-manufacturing plant without a special permit. (The Ledger)

Biz

The Back Nine will now be closed on Mondays at both of its locations. You can still grab a bite and practice your swing from Tuesday-Sunday in downtown or north Lakeland — see hours here.
Looking for some new digs to host your next team meeting or conference? Whether booking for four or 200, Catapult’s meeting + conference rooms have everything you need included (plus some pretty great views of Lake Mirror). See the options.*

Active

The Fontaine Gills Family YMCA (2125 Sleepy Hill Rd.) is offering free classes on Sunday, April 23. Bring a friend to classes like BodyPump, Tone, and BodyCombat.
Visit Bok Tower Gardens this spring for fitness classes among nature. Today at 9 a.m. is a Tai Chi class on Olmsted Lawn, and you can try Chair Yoga tomorrow, April 19 at 10 a.m. Event tickets include garden admission.

Eat

Pimento cheese is back on the menu at Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro. Stop by for a seasonal sandwich on sourdough bread and show this post for a discount through Friday, April 21.

Outdoors

April-June is alligator mating season, so you may see these reptiles sooner rather than later. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shared their pro tips for staying safe: Keep your distance, keep pets leashed, and stay alert during their most active hours from dusk to dawn. (WFTS)

Cause

Grace Lutheran School (320 Bates Ave. SE, Winter Haven) is collecting canned goods through April 28. Students will create sculptures from donated cans and hold an art competition. After the winner is chosen, the canned goods will be donated to The Mission of Winter Haven.

Travel

What trip would be worth leaving Lakeland? For City Editor Connor, it’s Ireland — to see the Cliffs of Moher. Sign up for Going to get notified when flight prices drop so you can book your dream trip and feel great about it. Join for free.

Giveaway

#TerraceTabletop. It’s giveaway time. The Terrace Hotel & Grille is hosting its annual week of giveaway prizes starting Monday, April 24. Prizes include gift cards, themed merchandise, a hand-painted wine bottle, and a grand prize. Follow The Terrace Grille at @terracegrillelakeland on Instagram for a chance to win.*

Shop

This wedding season make sure to shower the happy couple with the perfect gift. Our online store (Six & Main) features presents such as dinner napkins by Willow Ship and celebratory cards by Joy Paper Co. Start shopping.

Eat

🥗 What we tried at Fresh Kitchen

What we tried at Fresh Kitchen’s new Lakeland location

Hands holding bowls of food in front of a line of customers and pink menu signs behind the counter.

It doesn’t get fresher than this. | Photo by LALtoday

After years of patiently waiting, Fresh Kitchen has finally opened a location right here in Lakeland. We stopped by the Friends and Family Day to see the space and try its first bowls.

Fresh Kitchen specializes in food without gluten, antibiotics, or processed sugar. Order a bowl with your choice of bases, veggies, protein, and sauce made just how you like it. Head inside or place your order online to pick it up in the drive-thru.

City Editor Rilee is a Fresh Kitchen superfan and City Editor Connor is a newbie. Here’s what we ordered (and loved):

Rilee: Cauliflower potato mash, lemon garlic broccoli, roasted salmon, and creamy white ginger sauce
Connor: Coconut ginger rice, basil mushrooms, almond baked chicken, Holy Kale sauce

A grain bowl topped with steak, tomatoes, and a kale sauce next to an iced tea and cookies on a marble counter — Don’t skip the drinks and desserts — we got cookies and a homemade tea.
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Photo by LALtoday

With over 30 menu options, it can be hard to pick just a few for the perfect Fresh Kitchen bowl. Lucky for you, we’ve cracked the code on the best way to decide what to order: Asking the experts who work there.

We started by talking over the menu with the manager, Alex, who recommended the crunchy kale Caesar as one of our bases. Then we moved down the line, asking each person working for their favorite ingredients.

Using their suggestions, we ended up ordering the crunchy kale Caesar, cauliflower potato mash, sesame green beans, herb grilled steak, and kale pesto tomatoes, topped with the Holy Kale sauce.

It’s safe to say we found a new favorite combination. Next time you visit Fresh Kitchen, try the team’s recommendations and let us know what you love.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

Ready for Record Store Day? Jesse Carl Vinyl is the only Polk County record store participating (read: This event draws a big crowd). When we say line up early, we mean it.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We dished on the commish — the city commission, that is — and how you can join their next meeting.

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

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